Indigo Grill, among the Cohn Restaurant Group's longest-running ventures, is getting a new look and menu makeover this fall.

The Little Italy restaurant, long helmed by chef Deborah Scott, a partner in the Cohn organization, doesn't plan to entirely lose its Native American and Latin-influenced focus, but the cuisine will be far more global and contemporary, says Scott. In addition, the traditionally large portions will be transformed into smaller, shared plates that are more affordably priced.

As more hip, chef-driven restaurants have been venturing into Little Italy, the time had come to update Indigo Grill, which opened in 2001, said Scott. She initially opened the first Indigo Grill with a partner in 1994 a block away from the current location but left after eight months, when David Cohn asked her to team up to open the now closed Kemo Sabe in Hillcrest.

"You're seeing a lot more of a young base of guests in Little Italy, as well as a lot of young new chefs coming into Little Italy," said Scott. "Although we still have our huge following and many are concerned about the change, we decided that it was time for a revitalization.

"It's like sharpening a dull knife. We want to be on top of the talk and on the cutting edge."

Overseeing the updated menu will be newly appointed Executive Chef Jason Maitland, who's moved around some since leaving Arterra at the Marriott Del Mar a few years ago. Most recently, he was a chef at the now closed Red Light District in downtown San Diego.

"He’s landed in a good place with a strong company, so no more of that jumping around, and I think he’ll flourish here," Scott said.

Among the ideas being explored are food and drink pairings, a selection of craft cocktails and local beers and a margarita cart.

Heading up the restaurant's redesign will be Michael Soriano, who has worked on a number of notable projects, including Vin de Syrah, Sessions Public, The Pearl Hotel renovation and the recently opened Queenstown Public House. Scott said that Indigo's darker, earthy feel will be modernized with brighter colors and a cleaner, contemporary design.

She said she hopes the reinvented restaurant can make its debut by November. It's likely Indigo Grill will have to close a week or two in order to complete the redesign.